USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833)

• Fletcher-Class Destroyer: USS Herbert J. Thomas (DD-833) was a Gearing-class destroyer, not a Fletcher-class, launched by the United States Navy in 1945, named after Marine Private Herbert Joseph Thomas, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. • Korean War Service: The ship saw extensive action during the Korean War, providing naval gunfire support, screening aircraft carriers, and participating in the famous Inchon landing in 1950. • Vietnam War Deployments: USS Herbert J. Thomas served multiple tours in the Vietnam War, conducting shore bombardment, plane guard duties for aircraft carriers, and search and rescue operations. • FRAM Modernization: In the early 1960s, the ship underwent the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) program, which upgraded her antisubmarine warfare capabilities with new sonar, weapons, and helicopter facilities. • Rescuing Downed Pilots: During the Vietnam War, the destroyer was credited with rescuing several downed American aviators from the waters off North Vietnam. • Collision at Sea: In 1966, Herbert J. Thomas collided with the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne during exercises, but both ships continued operations after repairs. • Nickname: The crew affectionately called the ship “Herbie J” throughout her service life. • Transfer to Republic of China Navy: In 1974, after nearly 30 years of U.S. service, Herbert J. Thomas was transferred to Taiwan, where she was renamed ROCS Han Yang (DD-915/925) and continued to serve until the late 1990s. • Battle Stars: The ship earned two battle stars for her service during the Korean War and seven battle stars for her Vietnam War operations. • Preserved Legacy: After decommissioning in Taiwan, part of the ship, including her bridge, was preserved and displayed as a museum piece at the Tsoying Naval Base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.